Manchester United boss now my rival - Alvaro Morata

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has said that Jose Mourinho is now his rival as the Blues prepare to host Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Spain international made his professional debut under Mourinho at Real Madrid in 2010 and went on to win the La Liga crown in his second year with the club.

Morata has since enjoyed domestic and European success with Juventus and Real Madrid, and he pursued a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer despite interest from his former head coach.

In a report covered by Evening Standard, Morata revealed his special relationship with the 54-year-old but insisted that he is a rival when the Blues take on United in Sunday's late kickoff.

"I have a good relationship with Jose [Mourinho]. He was my first coach in professional football and he gave me the chance to be a professional.

"He made me the first contract. It's good and I appreciate these things because he was my first coach but now he's - not my enemy - my rival."

The Premier League holders are four points behind Manchester United coming into the game, and Antonio Conte is likely to demand a strong response following the 3-0 Champions League debacle at AS Roma in midweek.